Neil Nitin Mukesh opens up about his ordeals and success in Bollywood

Neil Nitin Mukesh, who started his career as a child artist in Vijay (1988) and Jaisi Karni Waisi Barni (1989), demonstrated his actual potential in his debut film Johnny Gaddar (2007). But his acting career is not free from problems. Given his fair complexion, the actor often found himself targeted and losing many roles while repeatedly getting labelled as "firangi.”

As he prepares for the launch of his new debut web series, Hai Junoon! Dream. Dare. Dominate, the actor, in an interview with Indian Express, asserts that even though Bollywood has given him opportunities, the film industry has turned toxic because people "enjoy seeing you crash." As he endured setbacks and fought against the odds, he feels that in such a scenario, the only means to progress is by "having loads of confidence in yourself." With legendary voices within his family, singers Mukesh and father Nitin Mukesh, people questioned if he had what it takes to be a good actor.

Hain Junoon follows young talents chasing their dreams in music and dance, a story of passion, rivalry, and finding who you really are, where talent isn't enough without true drive. Neil Nitin Mukesh plays Gagan, the lead role, with Jacqueline as Pearl, alongside talented supporting casts.

The web series is produced by Lio Creative Labs, penned by Aditya Bhat and directed by Abhishek Sharma. Set in Mumbai's Andersons College, this musical drama holds a special place in his heart, because his roots go back to a musical family.

He states that "appreciation or compliments to a person's work never really come unless you are extremely close to that person, and generally, it is not mentioned straight to you." In spite of the hardships, Neil hopes to make a strong comeback with his web series Hain Junoon, which will premiere on 16 May on Jio Hotstar.

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